Abstract
The present invention relates to a foldable barrier structure comprising a compartment bounded by a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls, at least one pair of opposed side or end walls being formed from a flexible, foldable material incorporating a stiffening element and a means for receiving a hinge member which permits folding of a central region of each opposed side or end wall of the at least one pair of side or end walls. Also provided is a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure comprising a multiplicity of such compartments connected, affixed or adhered to one another end to end, as well as a flood defense barrier comprising a first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure provided with a continuous length of water impermeable material extending across the individual structures along at least one side of the barrier; a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure provided with a continuous length of water impermeable material extending across the individual structures along at least one side of the barrier; and fastening means for fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to the second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure.
Claims
1. A flood defence barrier, comprising: first and second multi-compartmental barrier structures, each of the first and second multi-compartmental barrier structures comprising a multiplicity of compartments, each compartment bounded by a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls, at least one pair of opposed side or end walls being formed from a flexible, foldable material incorporating a stiffening element, and a hinge member which permits folding of a central region of each opposed side or end wall of the at least one pair of side or end walls, and fastening means for fastening the first-compartmental foldable barrier structure to the second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure, wherein the hinge member comprises a portion of the flexible, foldable material, wherein two layers of the flexible, foldable material are joined in the central region in compartments of the first and/or second multi-compartmental barrier structures, wherein each pair of opposed side or end walls in the compartments of the first and/or second multi-compartmental barrier structures only comprises two sections of the stiffening element, one on a first wall and one on a second wall, and wherein the compartments are connected, affixed or adhered to one another end to end.
2. The flood defence barrier according to claim 1, wherein the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure is connected by a first, non-releasable fastening means, wherein the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure comprises at least one second, releasable, fastening means effective for releasably fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; and/or wherein the opposite side of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structures to the water impermeable side is water permeable; and/or wherein the material extends beyond the side of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure such that it can cover the fastening means for fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; and/or wherein the material comprises the fastening means for fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; and/or wherein the material extends underneath the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; and/or wherein the fastening means for fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to the second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure comprises a zip and/or buckles.
3. The flood defence barrier according to claim 1, further comprising a compressible member extending at least part of the distance from the top to the bottom of at least one side of the first and/or second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structures and/or comprising a compressible member extending at least part of the distance along the base of at least one side of at least one of the first and/or second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structures.
4. The flood defence barrier according to claim 1, further comprising a lid extending at least partially over the top of at least one of the individual compartments, optionally wherein the lid is at least partially formed by the water impermeable material extending from the side of a multi-compartmental barrier structure at least partially over the top of the barrier structure.
5. A flood defense barrier, comprising: first and second multi-compartmental barrier structures, each of the first and second multi-compartmental barrier structures comprising a multiplicity of compartments, each compartment bounded by a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls, at least one pair of opposed side or end walls being formed from a flexible, foldable material incorporating a stiffening element, and a hinge member which permits folding of a central region of each opposed side or end wall of the at least one pair of side or end walls; a compressible member extending at least part of the distance from the top to the bottom of at least one side of the first and/or second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure and/or comprising a compressible member extending at least part of the distance along the base of at least one side of the first and/or second multi-compartmental barrier structure; and fastening means for fastening the first-compartmental foldable barrier structure to the second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; wherein the hinge member comprises a portion of the flexible, foldable material, wherein two layers of the flexible, foldable material are joined in the central region of a compartment in the first and/or second multi-compartmental barrier structures, wherein the pair of opposed side or end walls only comprises two sections of the stiffening element, one on a first wall and one on a second wall, wherein the compartments are connected, affixed or adhered to one another end to end, and wherein the compressible member comprises foam and/or wherein the compressible member is resiliently compressible and/or wherein a compressible member extending at least part of the distance along one side of a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure is offset from a compressible member extending at least part of the distance along an adjacent side of another group of one or more individual compartments when the two are attached by the fastening means.
6. A multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure comprising a multiplicity of compartments, each compartment bounded by a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls, at least one pair of opposed side or end walls being formed from a flexible, foldable material incorporating a stiffening element, and a hinge member which permits folding of a central region of each opposed side or end wall of the at least one pair of side or end walls, and a means for preventing a fill material from falling between adjacent individual compartments, wherein the means comprises a material extending between the compartments and fastened to the inside of each of the side walls adjacent to the other individual compartment, wherein the hinge member comprises a portion of the flexible, foldable material, wherein two layers of the flexible, foldable material are joined in the central region, wherein the pair of opposed side or end walls only comprises two sections of the stiffening element, one on a first wall and one on a second wall, and wherein the compartments are connected, affixed or adhered to one another end to end.
7. A flood defense barrier, comprising: first and second multi-compartmental barrier structures, each of the first and second multi-compartmental barrier structures comprising a multiplicity of compartments, each compartment bounded by a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls, at least one pair of opposed side or end walls being formed from a flexible, foldable material incorporating a stiffening element, and a hinge member which permits folding of a central region of each opposed side or end wall of the at least one pair of side or end walls, and fastening means for fastening the first-compartmental foldable barrier structure to the second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure, wherein the hinge member comprises a portion of the flexible, foldable material, wherein two layers of the flexible, foldable material are joined in the central region, wherein the pair of opposed side or end walls only comprises two sections of the stiffening element, one on a first wall and one on a second wall, wherein the compartments are connected, affixed or adhered to one another end to end, wherein the flood defense barrier is water impermeable along one side and is water permeable along the opposite side of the flood defense barrier; and wherein the flood defence barrier comprises one or more features selected from the group consisting of: wherein a first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure connected by a first, non-releasable fastening means, wherein the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure comprises at least one second, releasable, fastening means effective for releasably fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; wherein the opposite side of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structures to the water impermeable side is water permeable; wherein the material extends beyond the side of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure such that it can cover the fastening means for fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; wherein the material comprises the fastening means for fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; wherein the material extends underneath the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure; and wherein the fastening means for fastening the first multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to the second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure comprises a zip and/or buckles.
Description
(1) One or more embodiments of the invention are described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1 demonstrates the top view of a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure;
(3) FIG. 2 demonstrates the front view of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure as shown in FIG. 1, adjacent to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure;
(4) FIG. 3 demonstrates the back view of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure as shown in FIG. 1, adjacent to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure;
(5) FIG. 4 demonstrates the top view of a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure adjacent to another multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure and further comprising compressible members;
(6) FIG. 5 demonstrates the side view of a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure adjacent to another multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure and further comprising compressible members;
(7) FIG. 6 shows the flood barrier of the present invention when deployed against floodwater;
(8) FIG. 7 demonstrates the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure shown in FIG. 1, further comprising stiffening means;
(9) FIG. 8 demonstrates the front view of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure shown in FIG. 2, further comprising means for preventing a fill material from falling between adjacent individual compartments;
(10) FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a collapsible bag according to the present invention;
(11) FIG. 10 shows a side view of a collapsible bag showing the fastening means for connecting the collapsible bag to another collapsible bag;
(12) FIG. 11 shows a collapsible barrier comprising a plurality of connected or attached collapsible bags with releasable fastening means in the end bags;
(13) FIG. 12 shows a collapsible barrier comprising a water impermeable material along one side thereof;
(14) FIG. 13 shows releasable fastening means for connecting or attaching two collapsible barriers via a water impermeable material;
(15) FIG. 14 demonstrates a rear view of a further embodiment of the present invention, comprising a lid extending over the top of the individual compartments; and
(16) FIG. 15 demonstrates a side view of one of the individual compartments shown in FIG. 14.
(17) Looking at the drawings in more detail, FIG. 1 demonstrates the top view of a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure, connected by a continuous length of water impermeable material 2. In this embodiment, the water impermeable material 2 comprises stitches 4 to attach the material to the individual compartments 1. Fastening means 3 are present on the end compartment of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure, in the form of buckles. An additional fastening means is shown as a zip 5 on the end of a section of material 6, which is an extension of the water impermeable material 2. Also illustrated are lifting means 7, in the form of handles at each corner of the individual compartments 1. The stiffening means are not shown in this figure.
(18) FIG. 2 demonstrates the front view of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure as shown in FIG. 1, adjacent to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure. The individual compartments 1 in each barrier are connected by a water impermeable material 2. The fastening means 3 (in this case comprising three buckles) are present on both end compartments of each multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure. The section of material 6 will extend over the fastening means 3 and will be attached to the adjacent multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure using the zip 5, thereby reducing leakage of floodwater between the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structures.
(19) FIG. 3 demonstrates the back view of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure as shown in FIG. 1, adjacent to a second multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure. The individual compartments 1 in each barrier are connected by a water impermeable material 2. The fastening means 3 (in this case comprising three buckles) are present on both end compartments of each multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure.
(20) FIG. 4 demonstrates the top view of a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure adjacent to another multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure, each of which are connected by a water impermeable material 2. Both individual compartments 1 comprise a fastening means 3. Each individual compartment 1 further comprises a compressible member 9 extending the distance from the top to the bottom of the side of the individual compartment 1. In this embodiment, the two compressible members 9 are offset from one another. One of the individual compartments 1 further comprises a compressible member 8 extending part of the distance along the base of the individual compartment 1.
(21) FIG. 5 demonstrates the side view of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure as demonstrated in FIG. 4. Again, this figure shows a multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure adjacent to another multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure, each of which are connected by a water impermeable material 2. Both individual compartments 1 comprise a fastening means 3. Each individual compartment 1 further comprises a compressible member 9 extending the distance from the top to the bottom of the side of the individual compartment 1. One of the individual compartments 1 further comprises a compressible member 8 extending part of the distance along the base of the individual compartment 1.
(22) FIG. 6 shows the flood barrier of the present invention when deployed against floodwater 11. The individual compartment 1 is placed on the ground 10, with the water impermeable material 2 facing the floodwater 11. An opposite length of material 16 extends along the side opposite the water impermeable material and is preferably water permeable. In this embodiment, a section of the water impermeable material 2 extends underneath the individual compartment 1 to further reduce leakages. The two compressible members 8, 9 are also illustrated.
(23) FIG. 7 demonstrates the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure shown in FIG. 1 comprising stiffening means 12, 13. Stiffening means 13 extend along the side walls of the individual compartments adjacent to another individual compartment and comprise a single panel placed against the inside of the side wall. Stiffening means 12 extend along the side walls perpendicular to the side walls adjacent to another individual compartment. Two stiffening means 12 are placed adjacent one another to extend along the full length of the inside of the side wall. A means for receiving a hinge member is provided by the material of the side wall, in between the two stiffening means. This allows the perpendicular side wall to fold in the central region, allowing the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure to collapse.
(24) FIG. 8 demonstrates the front view of the multi-compartmental foldable barrier structure shown in FIG. 2, further comprising a means for preventing a fill material from falling between adjacent individual compartments 14. The means 14 comprises a material extending between adjacent individual compartments 1 and fastened to the inside of each of the adjacent side walls. The means 14 is fastened by fastening means 15, which may comprise stitches or staples.
(25) FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a cube-shaped collapsible bag 21 having an open fillable compartment being bounded at its front by a front wall 22, and at its rear by a rear wall 23, at its sides by respective side walls 24, 25 and at its base by a base wall (not shown). Pockets (not shown) are formed in the front wall 22, rear wall 23 and side wall 24, and fully extend over the respective walls. Two separate pocket sections are created in the pockets formed in the front wall 22 and rear wall 23 using stitching 26, 27 vertically down the middle of the walls. A stiffening member (not shown) is positioned within the pocket formed in the side wall 24 and in one of the two pocket sections in the front wall 22 and rear wall 23 such that they are diagonally opposite one another, shown by the shaded regions. The stiffening member is a complementary shape to the pocket. Four handles 28 are located at the each of the four corners on the top edge of the collapsible bag 21 i.e. at the opening of the compartment, to aid transportation of the collapsible bag. Markings 29 are added to the front wall 22 to distinguish the orientation of the collapsible bag. The collapsible bag 21 is self-supporting.
(26) FIG. 10 shows a side view of the cube-shaped collapsible bag 21 having staples 30 through the top edge of side wall 24. The staples 30 are used to connect the collapsible bag 21 to a respective side wall of an adjacent collapsible bag (not shown).
(27) FIG. 11 shows a collapsible barrier 31 comprising a plurality of connected or attached collapsible bags 21 bounded by two collapsible, end bags 32, 33. The collapsible bags are arranged side-by-side so as to form a line of individual collapsible bags that is one bag deep. The collapsible bags are connected or attached using staples as shown in FIG. 10. The collapsible barrier 31 is connectable or attachable to a second collapsible barrier (not shown) adjacent thereto at either or both ends, to provide and extended barrier. The collapsible barrier 31 is connectable or attachable to the second collapsible barrier by releasable fastening means in the form of eyelets 34, 35 provided on end bags 32, 33 respectively, and cable ties (not shown). One of the end bags 33 is provided with a flap of material 36 extending from the top edge thereof. The flap of material 36 is configured to extend between the end bag 33 and an end bag in a second collapsible barrier to prevent fill material from falling between adjacent collapsible barriers. The collapsible barrier 31 is self-supporting.
(28) FIG. 12 shows the collapsible barrier 31 additionally comprising a continuous water impermeable material 37 along one side thereof. The continuous water impermeable material 37 is fastened to the collapsible barrier 31 using stitching across the top edge of the collapsible bags 21, 32, 33. At one end of the collapsible barrier 31, the continuous water impermeable material 37 extends beyond the end bag 32 in an amount equal to the width of one collapsible bag. At the other end of the collapsible barrier 31, the continuous water impermeable material 37 ends in-line with the end bag 33. In addition, the continuous water impermeable material extends below the base of the collapsible barrier 31. This enables the continuous water impermeable material 37 to be folded underneath the collapsible barrier 31 and be fastened thereto using staples (not shown).
(29) FIG. 13 shows an end portion of collapsible barrier 31 as described in FIG. 12 and an end portion of a second collapsible barrier 39 which has the same overall construction as collapsible barrier 31. The water impermeable material 37, 41 can be used to connect or attach one end of the collapsible barrier 31 to the opposite end of the second collapsible barrier 39, in addition to the releasable fastening means in the form of eyelets in the respective end bags 33, 40.
(30) A Velcro strip 38 is attached to the outside surface of the continuous water impermeable material 37. A complementary Velcro strip 42 is attached to the inside surface of the continuous water impermeable material 41. When the collapsible barrier 31 and the second collapsible barrier 39 are brought together such that the respective end bags 33, 40 are adjacent to one another, the complementary Velcro strips 38, 42 connect or attach the two collapsible barriers together.
(31) FIG. 14 demonstrates a rear view of a plurality of individual compartments 51 according to a further aspect of the present invention, which comprises a lid 52 extending over the top of each of the individual compartments 51. Lid 52 comprises a top portion 52a and a front portion 52b that extends along the front side of the individual compartments 51. The front portion 52b is a water impermeable material comprising polyethene that extends along the front side of the individual compartments 51. The lid 52 then reaches over the top of the individual compartments 51 to form the top portion 52a, so that the front portion 52b and the top portion 52a are continuous. It is this top portion 52a that prevents the fill material from accidentally being removed from the individual compartment 51. The edge of the top portion 52a furthest away from the front portion 52b is then attached to the individual compartments 51 by Velcro.
(32) FIG. 15 demonstrates a side view of one of the plurality of individual compartments 51 shown in FIG. 14. Front portion 52b of the lid 52 is shown extending along the height of the individual compartment 51 and underneath it. This provides a means for anchoring the lid material, as well as providing a waterproof front to the individual compartment 51. Front portion 52b also extends over the top of the individual compartment 51 to form the top portion 52a of the lid 52. Also shown are lifting means 57 in the form of handles at either side of the individual compartment 51.
(33) FIG. 15 also demonstrates an enlarged view of the top corner of the individual compartment 51, in which the material of the lid 52 extends over the top of the individual compartment 51 and is stapled to the inside thereof using staples 53.
